West Valley Detention Inmate Accused of Killing His Cellmate

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RANCHO CUCAMONGA – An inmate who was scheduled to be released in just over 4 months is now accused of murdering his cellmate at the West Valley Detention Center. Marcos Elias Garcia, 31, was serving time for the possession of a stolen vehicle and his inmate, Kevin Plicha, 53, was serving time for felony vandalism.

Both inmates were in their cell at the jail located at 9500 Etiwanda Avenue in Rancho Cucamonga when on Tuesday, February 21. 2017, 2017, at 9:20 p.m. deputies located Plicha unresponsive in their cell. Emergency medical personnel immediately responded and Plicha was rushed to Kaiser Hospital in critical condition.

“Due to the nature of Plichta’s injuries, Specialized Investigators responded to conduct the investigation,” Sheriff’s officials said in the news release. Just three days later, on Friday, February 24, 2017, 3:18 p.m. Plicha was pronounced dead by medical personnel at Kaiser Hospital.

Both Plicha and Garcia were in the cell when Plicha’s injuries occurred. Those investigating the incident believe that Garcia is responsible for the injuries and will forward the completed investigation to the District Attorney’s office for review and filing of murder charges. The Riverside County Coroner will perform an autopsy in order to determine the cause of death. The motive at this time is unknown.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Nick Hartleben at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.